Mother and son sentenced for animal cruelty

A Birmingham mother and son have been sentenced after causing unnecessary suffering to an English bull mastiff which was found in a condition described by magistrates as ‘horrific’.

Tony Johal, 38, and Kamaljit Kaur Johal, 69, both of Woodland Road, Handsworth, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court today (29 April 2019), where they both admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the dog and failing in their duty of care towards it.

Animal welfare officers from Birmingham City Council visited the property on 20 July 2018 following a complaint regarding the welfare of a dog at the address. The complaint stated that the dog had scabs, blood and insects all over its body.

Officers found that the dog, named Cyrus, was being kept in a dirty wooden kennel with only bare earth to lie on. It was emaciated and suffering from a severe, widespread skin infection, with open sores and cracked skin which bled when it moved. It was also covered in flies.

The person in charge of Cyrus at the time was Kamaljit Kaur Johal who claimed there was nothing wrong with the dog other than he was old. Cyrus’s owner, who spoke to the officers on the phone, was identified as her son, Tony, who lived at the same address.

Cyrus was removed by officers and taken immediately for veterinary treatment, where he was found to be in such appalling condition that he was put to sleep on welfare grounds. The vet confirmed Cyrus had been caused unnecessary suffering.

Tony Johal received an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 2 years, was banned from keeping any animal for 10 years, with no right of appeal, and fined £615. Kamaljit Kaur Johal was also banned from keeping any animal for 10 years, with no right of appeal, and fined £404.

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